Saints' Rookie Wide Receiver Returns to Practice

One of the New Orleans Saints' most promising young players returned to the field Thursday afternoon. Wide receiver Chris Olave was back at practice today despite exiting Week 5's game against the Seattle Seahawks with a concussion.

Chris Olave took another step forward in his recovery from a concussion, participating in football activities during the open portion of practice. If he has no symptoms, the next step would be full participation.

No Mike Thomas, Marshon Lattimore or Jarvis Landry.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) October 13, 2022

Olave was knocked out of the Saints' 39-32 victory over the Seahawks after 31 snaps and four receptions for 54 yards. The Saints were already down wide receivers Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry, but the team got by thanks to superlative play from running back Alvin Kamara and NFC Offensive Player of the Week Taysom Hill.

Olave had been to a strong start this year, totalling 389 receiving yards in five games and earning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for September. If Thomas and Landry remain out, the Saints will need Olave to be available for the team's Week 6 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The NFL Rookie of the Month starts off October with a TD ⚜️

Dalton to Olave for the score 🙌#Saints | 📺: NFL Network / WWLTV (locally) pic.twitter.com/W6nPZJY9Dq
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 2, 2022

Olave joined the Saints as the 11th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft after four years at Ohio State. He hauled in 175 receptions for 2702 receiving yards for the Buckeyes. A smooth, steady athlete, he was expected to provide a boost to a Saints offense that ranked 32nd in pass yards in 2021. Should Olave be ready to go Sunday, he could very well see the most targets of his young career.